Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

322. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if the Garda traffic watch phone number, 1890205805, has been discontinued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37569/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including all operational policing matters. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that Traffic Watch is a partnership approach to reducing the number of road collisions and fatalities. It brings road users, An Garda Síochána, the Road Safety Authority and other stakeholders together in a united and sustained effort to improve safety on our roads.

As part of An Garda Síochána’s ongoing commitment to road safety, a new online Traffic Watch reporting form is now available on Garda.ie. This form will replace the Traffic Watch number, which was first set up in 2001 and expanded nationwide in 2004. In the past 10 years, Traffic Watch has received over 45,000 calls.

Members of the public can report non-emergency traffic-related incidents using the online reporting form which went live on the Garda webpage from 8 August. In an emergency situation, members of the public should always call 999/112.

These online reports are logged by Garda Staff at the Garda Information Services Centre (GISC) who then forward the report to the Superintendent in the relevant Community Engagement Area to progress.

The Superintendent will appoint a member of An Garda Síochána to investigate a Traffic Watch complaint.

The investigating member makes contact with the complainant to:

• Establish the complainant's version of events;
• Establish if there are other witnesses to the alleged incident;
• Discuss the possible actions available;
• Take a written statement of complaint.